KUCHING’s tattoo scene took Chennai tattooist Raghukumar by surprise.
Not only was it his first time in Sarawak, but he was struck by how many young women embraced tattoos – often bold, elaborate pieces rather than small designs.
While India’s tattoo scene is also seeing more women step in as artists and clients, Raghukumar found Kuching’s inclusivity and energy even more inspiring.
“I’ve seen a lot of women here getting tattoos, not just small ones but really big, detailed pieces. It was shocking at first, but in a good way.
“They’re confident, they know what they want, and they carry it proudly,” he told Sarawak Tribune at the Kuching International Tattoo Expo 2025 held at the Dayak Bidayuh National Association (DBNA) headquarters recently.
The 33-year-old who runs Mojo Tattoo Studio in Chennai, India, who also saw quite a number of female tattoo artists in Kuching described it as healthy competition that helps the art form grow.
“At the end of the day, tattooing is art. It doesn’t matter if you’re male or female. What matters is passion and respect for the craft. Whoever enters this industry gives their best and deserves support.
“Inclusivity is important because it makes the community bigger and stronger. If more women step in as artists, if more women feel free to get tattoos, then we all grow together. It’s about breaking barriers,” he said.
To him, tattoos are more than decoration — they are a form of self-expression, often tied to identity, heritage, or simply aesthetics.
In Sarawak, he observed how indigenous designs remain alive, either preserved in their original form or reinterpreted with contemporary twists.
For him, this was proof that tattoos can carry culture forward while remaining relevant to younger generations.
Having been in the industry for seven years, he is no stranger to tattoo gatherings back home, but this was his first international outing.
Beyond the art itself, Raghukumar also found himself taken by the warmth of Kuching’s people.
“The people here are very friendly, and the scene is full of energy. It’s something new for me, and I’ve learned a lot just by being here,” he said, adding that he hoped to return in the future.
